Campground · Day Use Area · South Santiam · Highway 20, east of Sweet Home
Yukwah Campground
A 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps campground with a free day-use area built for accessibility — a wheelchair-accessible nature trail, river viewing platform, and an ADA fishing platform on the South Santiam.
More detail
Getting there & parking+
From Sweet Home, follow Highway 20 east for 21 miles. The day-use area sits within the campground, on the South Santiam’s banks.
Facilities & accessibility+
- Yukwah Nature Trail — wheelchair-accessible, 0.3 miles, winds through the campground and day-use area
- ADA-accessible fishing platform and river viewing platform on the South Santiam
- Grills and fire rings, recycle box and garbage service at the day-use area
- Two hand-pump wells and vault toilets (2 single, 1 double) in the campground
A genuine standout for accessibility on this stretch of Highway 20.
Nearby attractions+
Close to the Menagerie Wilderness, the South Santiam and Gordon Lakes Trail Area, and several other campgrounds and day-use areas along the same Highway 20 corridor, including House Rock and Trout Creek.
Choose what brings you here
At this day-use area
What’s here+
Swimming in the South Santiam, day hiking on the accessible nature trail, fishing from the ADA platform, picnicking, and scenic viewing are all available, set in second-growth Douglas-fir forest.
Camping here
confirm exact site count locally
Reservations & fees+
Reservable via Recreation.gov up to 6 months ahead; remaining sites first-come, first-served. Check-in 2:00 p.m., check-out 12:00 p.m. Max stay 14 days in a 60-day window. Dogs leashed (max 6 ft).
Fishing & boating access+
A genuine standout for accessibility — Yukwah has a dedicated ADA fishing platform on the South Santiam, plus general river fishing and swimming access. No boat launch documented.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions +
Is there a fee for the day-use area?
No — Yukwah Day Use Area is free, open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
How many campsites does Yukwah have?
Sources vary slightly — worth a direct call to the ranger district to confirm the current bookable count before your trip.
Is Yukwah accessible?
Yes, notably so — it has a wheelchair-accessible nature trail, a river viewing platform, and an ADA fishing platform on the river.
How far from Sweet Home?
21 miles east on Highway 20.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes — leashed dogs are welcome (leash no longer than 6 feet).
Official campground details — Willamette National Forest →
Official day-use site details — Willamette National Forest →
